Commercial Interiors UK appoints new managing director

Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK), the Trade Association for the UK’s Commercial Interiors Sector has appointed Sean Holt as its new Managing Director. As the new Managing Director, Sean will be responsible for leading a dedicated team to deliver the revised strategy of CIUK following its recent re branding from BCFA, improving member engagement and  benefits, increasing membership and growing the CIUK events portfolio whilst working closely with  its media partner Design Insider to build on its growing reputation as the premier online portal dedicated to commercial interior designers and architects.

Sean has twenty-five years of Board level experience with a consistent track record of business delivery through strong leadership and entrepreneurial flair in both domestic and international markets.

His career to date has included organising and delivering major national and international events, conferences, and exhibitions and he was the Director for London and the Olympics for Sport England, leading up to the highly successful London 2012 Olympics. He was also the inaugural CEO of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and established the professional body to train and develop individuals to improve professional standards in the sector.

In 2013 Sean joined FESPA, an international Trade Association in the Printing industry, as General Secretary before becoming Executive Director in 2015 to jointly lead the organisation alongside the CEO. Post the pandemic and prior to joining CIUK Sean was Managing Director of the British Furniture Manufacturers Association.

The new appointment comes after Commercial Interiors UK’s previous Managing Director, Jeremy Stein, announced he was stepping down from the role earlier this year.

Speaking of his new appointment, Sean said: “It is a privilege to be joining such a forward thinking, ambitious organisation, that is committed to delivering a range of contemporary benefits and services that meet the needs of its members. I am looking forward to enhancing what is already an impressive portfolio of events, welcoming new members and partners, listening and responding to existing members needs and supporting the evolution of our media partner Design insider.”

Carolyn Mitchell, Chair of Commercial Interiors UK, said: “The CIUK board are thrilled to welcome Sean to Commercial Interiors UK. With a proven track record of excellence and expertise in leading trade organisations, Sean brings a fresh commercial perspective, that will steer the association towards growth and success. As we continue an exciting new chapter for the organisation, we are confident that under Sean’s guidance, Commercial Interiors UK will thrive ensuring our memberships strategic objectives are met, we look forward to working with him over the coming years.”